Baselworld '17 spotlight: Must-have women's timepieces

Baselworld '17 is finally here and Buro 24/7 Middle East puts the spotlight on the must-have women's watches this year.

It's a sparkling showcase of women's timepieces at Baselworld '17, fusing both artistry and jewellery. From unique one-of-a-kind pieces to the world debut of a coveted collection, these are the watches that should be at the top of your horology list. Buro 24/7 Middle East's Editor in Chief, Shannon Wylie, was on the ground watching as the reveals took place...

Hublot Big Bang One Click Italia Independent watch

This is the first ladies watch to come out of Hublot's long-standing partnership with Italia Independent and it provides a fresh dose of femininity to the iconic Big Bang collection. Thanks to a chic 39mm case and a bezel that's encircled with 42 diamonds, with a further 10 on the dial itself, this watch further accentuates a move towards femininity and away from typically masculine aesthetic. Three interchangeable straps in blue, dark blue and purple velvet are available.

de Grisogono Eccentrica watch

A brand new women's watch joins the de Grisogono family in the shape of the Eccentrica. As the name suggests, the timepieces run against the grain with a more avant-garde approach to horological aesthetics – think a playful interpretation of the traditional placements of the Arabic numerals. As well, the multitude of paved diamonds, the black diamond on the crown and the galuchat leather strap ensures that the Eccentrica is a timeless timepiece.

Chanel Première Camélia Skeleton watch

To celebrate 30 years since the debut of the Premiere timepiece, Chanel has introduced the Première Camélia Skeleton, a statement watch that reiterates the maison's commitment to craftsmanship. In the new edition, Chanel masterfully showcases its heritage through the creation of an in-house movement that takes the shape of the camellia flower. Limited to only 12 pieces per variant, the watch also features a white gold case, bedecked with 950 brilliant and baguette-cut diamonds on both the bezel and crown, totalling 22 carats.

Fendi IShine watch

Inspired by light, the Fendi IShine is a jewellery box dressed in a watch, where turning the crown, which is already fitted with a prong-set gemstone, reveals different permutations of sparkling stones including 12 white topazes, 12 gradient pink and red topazes and 12 black spinels. Available in stainless steel, yellow or rose gold, this exquisite yet boldly designed timepiece is limited to only 50 pieces per edition.

Hermès Slim d'Hermès Grrrrr! watch

Inspired by an Hermès silk scarf that was designed by British artist Alice Shirley, the maison showcased savoir-faire in the fine art of enamelling. Limited to only six pieces, the painted bear-face watch is a piece of art and Hermès Watches CEO, Laurent Dordet, says, "We are not thinking about how much time we invest in a product, we think about having fun."

DiorGrand Bal Piece Unique Galaxie watch

Dior's new metiers d'art collection is the epitome of exclusivity thanks to its one-of-a-kind design. Here, neatly rowed diamonds on the bezel set the stage for a visually stunning intergalactic opal dial that's further peppered with various cuts of diamonds. A combination of geometric and abstract elements, in bright vivid colours, complement the gemstones with further highlights including the intricate gold pleating and inserts.

Omega Speedmaster 38mm watch

While the Cappuccino was revealed pre-Baselworld, Omega launched a white version of its Speedmaster 38mm ladies watch. Similar to its sibling, the white-dialled edition features a bezel with an outer rim that's lined with diamonds while the inner circle is equipped with a tachymeter scale. For a further touch of femininity, the hands are in pink, complemented by matching threading on the leather strap.

Longines Flagship Heritage 60th Anniversary 1957-2017 watch

Commemorating the 60th anniversary of Longines' first Flagship collection, this new timepiece features many of the design cues of its predecessor. The original face that inspired its contemporary counterpart was much-loved by the brand's ambassador Kate Winslet and continues to display horological simplicity and elegance in addition to technical mastery. The milestone edition also comes in pink gold and yellow gold with 60 pieces for each variant, while the steel version tops out at 1,957 pieces.

Bulgari Serpenti watch

One of two Bulgari's new showcases at the event, the Serpenti collection is given a contemporary yet classic update thanks to new interchangeable leather straps that are sourced from water snakes. Apart from the intensive and highly skilled creation process, the Serpenti also stands out courtesy of an exclusive digital app which allows for seamless personalisation, from case and dial to choice of gemstones.